There is one federal district court in Maine. On the state court side, the highest court is the Supreme Judicial Court. The only trial courts in Maine (for both civil and criminal matters) are the Maine Superior Courts, which are located in each of Maine's sixteen counties. There are also courts of "limited jurisdiction" known as District Courts (which includes a Family Division) and, within and under the jurisdiction of each county, Probate Courts.
Maine Federal Court
There is one federal district court in Maine, with court sessions held at Bangor and Portland. There is also a United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine, again with offices in Bangor and Portland.
Maine Supreme Court
Access to the court's calendar and more Maine Supreme Court information.
Maine Superior Courts
Maine Superior Courts and Directory of Superior Courts
The Maine Superior Courts are Maine's trial courts of general jurisdiction. It is the only level of court in which jury trials are available. There is one superior court in each of Maine's sixteen (16) counties, except for Aroostook, the Crown of Maine, which has two such courts. All Superior Courts have statewide jurisdiction.
Maine District Courts
Maine District Courts and Directory of District Courts
The Maine District Court system includes over 30 judges who hold court in 13 districts encompassing 31 locations throughout Maine. District Courts hear both civil and criminal matters, without a jury. (Only Superior Courts have jury trials). Also included within the Maine District Court system is the Family Division (matters involving children, such as divorce and parental rights).
Maine Probate Courts
Maine Probate Courts are courts with jurisdiction over specialized subject matter, including estates and trusts, adoptions and name changes, guardianship and protective proceedings. There is one probate court in each of Maine's sixteen counties. These probate courts are not within the ambit of the state court system. Rather, they are under the jurisdiction of each county. Even so, matters of law may be appealed to the Maine Supreme Court.